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slow firing kiln

updated thu 16 dec 04

 

bob on tue 14 dec 04


I have an ancient Crusader kiln. Firing to cone 6 usually takes about 8
hours. The recent firing took 16 hours. The elements appear to heat
normally. Any ideas as to what could be causing the long firing before
reaching cone 6? Thanks.
Bob

Cindy on tue 14 dec 04


Dear Bob,

You need new elements. You can get them from Euclid's. Just do a web
search--I don't know their address. Probably euclids.com or something
similar.

Another cause of slow firing can be an inadequate power supply, but since
the kiln is old and it worked all right before, it's most likely the
elements. They loose their oomph after awhile.

Best wishes and Merry Christmas
Cindy in SD
Subject: Slow firing kiln


> I have an ancient Crusader kiln. Firing to cone 6 usually takes about 8
> hours. The recent firing took 16 hours. The elements appear to heat
> normally. Any ideas as to what could be causing the long firing before
> reaching cone 6? Thanks.
> Bob
>
>

Arnold Howard on wed 15 dec 04


A rule of thumb:

Firing time suddenly becomes longer = element or switch failure
Firing time gradually becomes longer = worn elements

Since your elements all light up, and it sounds like firing time suddenly
became longer, perhaps the problem is a defective switch that stays on low
instead of high. (I don't know what type of switches your kiln has.)

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
arnoldhoward@att.net / www.paragonweb.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "bob"
>I have an ancient Crusader kiln. Firing to cone 6 usually takes about 8
> hours. The recent firing took 16 hours. The elements appear to heat
> normally. Any ideas as to what could be causing the long firing before
> reaching cone 6? Thanks.
> Bob